Jacob Knipp will most likely catch himself caught up in the moment sometime this afternoon.

After all, his upbringing included spending many Saturday afternoons at Folsom Field, cheering on the University of Colorado football team.

Knipp hopes the noise factor from the infamous venue is still apparent, but for a different reason.

Today's noon game between the University of Northern Colorado and Colorado University football teams is a homecoming of sorts for Knipp.

"I'm not going to lie," Knipp said Thursday morning, moments after finishing his preparation to face the school he grew up cheering for. "Playing for CU was always something I pictured myself doing."

Knipp's allegiance quickly changed when he ventured a little farther north to become UNC's quarterback after a standout career at Arvada's Ralston Valley High School.

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The Buffs were in-between changing coaching staffs and like Colorado State University, offered for Knipp to join them as a preferred walk-on.

"Both of my parents went to CU," Knipp said. "We went to CU games all the time. Our house is just 15 minutes from Folsom Field and I have a lot of CU alums in my family.

"How much better can it be though that now I have the chance to go in (to Folsom Field) and beat them," Knipp added.

Knipp is cherishing facing the Buffs for more than one reason.

It's been almost two years since the 6-foot-4, 210-pound redshirt junior had played a full game.

A left shoulder injury in the Bears' second game of the season this past year sidelined Knipp, who had clearly beaten out then-senior Kyle Sloter for the starting spot, living up to the opinion of the UNC staff that he'd be one of the best ever to direct the offense.

For the record, Sloter went on to direct UNC to a 6-5 season, drew the attention of National Football League scouts and eventually landed on the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad two weeks ago.

Finally, it's Knipp's time to turn heads.

"I talked to our leader, Jacob (Knipp) earlier today," UNC coach Earnest Collins Jr. said. "He's confident, but it's not all about him. It's about the guys on this team. We have as good a chance as anybody to win this game."

However, Knipp could be the X factor in the game that pits the NCAA Division I-FCS Bears against the Buffs, who won the Pac 12 South Division last season and played in the Alamo Bowl, albeit losing 38-8 to Oklahoma State University.

Knipp played in the first half of the Bears' season opener against NAIA College of Idaho, completing 17 of 27 for 238 yards.

This past Saturday afternoon Knipp was practicing as the Bears' much-heralded game at the University of Florida was canceled by Hurricane Irma.

"It really doesn't even feel like our season has even started," Knipp said. "It's been a crazy start to our season, but it's been a lot that's out of our control."

What's also been out of the Bears' control is the early success of CU's defense, which has yet to give up a touchdown in two nonconference victories, limiting Colorado State University and Texas State University to a field goal apiece.

"They do a great job in the red zone," Knipp said. "They've made it tough to put up six."

CSU and Texas State had relative success moving the chains, but couldn't find the end zone.

Knipp and the Bears have spent ample time in the film room this week, analyzing how CU's opponents moved the ball but failed to score a touchdown.

"We've seen the cause of that, but they're athletic, they're fast and they play a lot of man-to-man," Knipp said. "They're confident in playing man-to-man and they're aggressive. We need to go out and play our game, though."

In two games, the Buffs have allowed opponents an average of 340 yards of offense with 218 of it coming via the pass.

"Still, we're going to have to come up with some big plays," Collins said. "Big plays like a big third-down conversion because if you don't then the depth factor shows up by the fourth quarter.

"That's when you find what I call your heart muscle," Collins added. "You get that extra oomph. You can be dog-dead tired, but that's a frame of mind. If your mom was in a state of need you'd take care of it. That's the mentality you have to play with."

In his third season as part of the UNC program, Knipp has put his heart on display to match his athleticism as a physical quarterback.

"You give him a couple of seconds, and he'll get the ball downfield," Collins said.

The Buffs defense has allowed opponents an average of 122 rushing yards in two games, which could also play into one of UNC's strength.

Trae Riek is the tough guy of UNC's deep corps of running backs. He rushed for 71 yards in a little more than a half two weeks ago and was good for three rushing touchdowns after nearly rushing for 1,000 yards this past season despite nursing injuries, limiting his playing time.

"Defensively, they rely on guys to win 1-on-1 situations," Knipp said. "It's similar to what we saw Florida do on film. I know that we're all excited to get out there and play against CU. I really am."